VOYAGE of the SCOTIA

11th November 2019

Speaker 19: David Munro

The voyage of the Scotia, a research vessel used by the Scottish National Antarctic Expedition, led by William Spiers Bruce.
The expedition left Troon on 2 Nov. 1902 aboard the "Scotia", a 140 ft sailing vessel with a steam engine - 2 years later they returned home in early 1904

TRAVELS with a FOOTBALL

23rd September 2019

Speaker 16: Bob Docherty

Bob Docherty, was heavily involved in Schools Football, from local schools up to International level and became President of Scottish Schools Football Association. His talk will be about his travels in his various roles in Schools Football

MY FATHER BUILT A BRIDGE

14th October 2019

Speaker 17: Bill Glennie

Bill will explain the Scottish links with the Australian Bridge. How he found that the iconic bridge with its steel arch and granite pythons was almost Scottish – with Scottish architects and quarrymen.

LIES DURING THE WAR

28th October 2019

Speaker 18: Ian Garden

Ian Garden's amazing insights into the ways by which the Allies changed military and political facts for their own ends.

By analysing key incidents from both British and Germans, Ian reveals how essential information was concealed from the public

USA : PART 2

2th August 2019

Speaker 13: Arthur Lloyd

Welcome back Arthur. A return visit after last year was most welcome.
Further north this time we were shown much of the USA 'Outback' i.e. areas not made known by public info.

Excellent as well as fun

NASA SPACE CENTRE

26th August 2019

Speaker 14: John Beaton

John has a fascinating set of slides of shuttles, training programmes and control rooms at Houston while reminiscing with his meetings with all levels of NASA personnel.

TRAVELS with a FOOTBALL

9th September

Speaker 15: Bob Docherty

Bob Docherty, was heavily involved in Schools Football, from local schools up to International level and became President of Scottish Schools Football Association. His talk will be about his travels in his various roles in Schools Football. 

PUPPY WALKER

24th June 2019

Speaker 10: Grace Brock

Grace came along with her two 'puppy' GUIDE DOGS Nutmeg and BeeGee to inform us about rearing the dogs for the blind.
Grace explained the set procedure required in their early months training prior to be available as suitable guide dogs for the blind.

She was most informative and enlightened the members on the way these wonderful dogs are able to look after their blind when out walking.

We were advised NOT to talk to the dogs when they were out 'working'- it may distract them.

Grace, her dogs and colleagues are doing a wonderful job- long may they continue.

DEMENTIA FRIENDS

8th July 2019

Speaker 11: Ruth MacCabe

Ruth trained as a District Nursing Sister prior to being manager of a HIV/AIDS Hospice dealing with patients with dementia.

She explained to the members all about dementia - how we should ensure we have our selves checked if in doubt, how patients are cared for and what we should do when dealing with dementia problems.
She supplied several brochures to augment her talk.

GLOBAL ENERGY SUPPLY

22nd July 2019

Speaker 12: Jack Dempsey

Jack is a highly qualified engineer retired from the Middle Eat Oil industry.

His talk and visual display explained - in great detail - the current global situation with regard to our need for energy and the problems in providing a 'acceptable' supply.

An enormous subject covering the wide range of energy supply; oil, coal, nuclear, wind, fracking etc.... a huge complex list none of which we could list as IDEAL.

DESIGN DUNFERMLINE CHARRETTE

13th May 2019

Speaker : 7
Grant Williams

The Design Dunfermline charrette process aims to engage the local community to play its part in the future direction of the town centre.

Sessions are being held at the City Chambers and Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries between Wednesday and Sunday.

Participants will be invited to consider a number of projects and suggest ideas of their own.

“Town centres face massive challenges in the current climate,” he added. “There is a recognition that cash-strapped councils on their own can’t fix town centres.
“As a community we need, and want to take responsibility for our town – this is local democracy in action and Fife Council is very keen to support this way of working.”

DUNFERMLINE COMMUNITY SAFETY

27th May 2019

Speaker: 8
Fraser Laird

The club had no difficulty in recognising the day's speaker- a fully uniformed Police Officer with multiple accoutrements unique to them.

He amazingly continued his talk without a pause, notebook or equipment covering a host of criminal activities which we were most pleased to find ways to deal with them.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

10th June 2019

Speaker: 9
Neil Beattie

Neil's informative and colourful slides assisted in showing us the evolution of electric vehicles and their present technical progress

The historic history on the evolution of non-petroleum transport started his talk with numerous cars, buses, trams and trucks in numerous countries finding their use.

While Neil had, like most of us, a petrol vehicle he will convert when the time comes. However it was difficult to be pleased with the progress being made to clean-up civilisation. We however wish the progress well

SALVATION ARMY

25 February 2019

Speaker:4
David Roberson

David was warmly welcomed - dressed in his full Salvation Army uniform. He displayed a Salvation Army Video of significant International entries.
David then spent the morning informing us of the Army's activities which were not only biblical, international and gracious but demonstrating - as we all knew - an army remote from war.

DUNFERMLINE EARLY PHOTOS

11th March 2019

Speaker: 5
George Beattie

The club was fortunate to have another historic talk on life in Dunfermline,

22nd April 2019

Speaker: 6

MARY CELESTE MYSTERY

14 January 2019

Speaker 1:
Eddie Taylor

The "Mary Celeste" Is Found Deserted. “On this day in 1872, at around one o' clock in the afternoon, the American merchant ship the Mary Celeste was discovered drifting off the coast of Portugal, cargo intact and sails set, but unmanned and abandoned, her crew never to be seen again

Eddie explained the past reports and the remaining doubts re the cause and events.

BORDER BROTHERS

28 January 2019

Speaker 2:
Dr Margaret Cook

Margaret Cook was a consultant haematologist and later became a writer and journalist.

She wrote extensively giving opinion and commentary pieces on social, political, medical and science matters book reviews for most of the leading newspapers, and agony columns for the Observer, Woman's Journal and Marie Claire.

She has published four books, two non-fiction and two fiction.

OTHER DUNFERMLINE ARIST

11 February2019

Speaker 3:
George Robertson

ADAM WESTWOOD, DUNFERMLINE ARTIST (1844-1924)

George described to the club, with the display of associated slides, the life of the town's famous and talented artist.
The slides displayed the exceptional talent that Adam was gifted with in mastering the ability to display complex scenes into significant artistic canvas.

Many members were made aware of this distinguished Fife/Dunfermline artist

SCOTTISH FOOTBALL

12 November 2018

Speaker 19:
David Potter

Football supporters are not renowned disciplinarians with open minds to their opponent teams.

David however was able to entertain and amuse the club with his expert knowledge of events of our home team

NAZI PRPOGANDA

26 November 2018

Speaker 20:
Ian Garner

Exploding the Myths about Nazi Propaganda’

Ian had a host of pictures, movies and comments on the era on the somewhat recent history of wartime.

Ian had n amazing integrated memorabilia of the propaganda used by our enemy where it was a major war time attack on their enemy.

While it would never be esteemed as entertaining it was a most informative and valuable historic talk

HAPPINESS BUSINESS

24 September 2018

Speaker 16
Roger Stark

Roger explained took us through the happy chemicals, such as endorphins, oxytocin and serotonin which are present in our brains and surge though our bodies when required. These can be triggered at different times according to our individual situations and needs. He explained that hormones in the body govern what we do and what we think.
Roger took us through the United Nations Happiness League where the happiest country is Denmark, scoring highly with measures such as fairness, stability, security, opportunity and freedom. He said we can top up our own happiness with fresh air and laughter.

VOT Cowan Reid

PLAYING CARDS

8 October 2018

Speaker 17
Jim Boyd

Jim wore a suitably colourful tie to talk to us about Playing Cards. His slides illustrated the history of such cards internationally, which enlightened members to the origin, size and style of playing cards through the ages. Surprisingly card designs are not the same world-wide. Nor are the playing methods the same, differences may not be considerable but nevertheless significant.

Jim completed his presentation with playing cards, Tony’s selection made early on was produced first time (How do they do that??) prior to displaying several skilful card shuffles used by different professionals. Well done Jim.

VOT Tom Scott

ROBERT the BRUCE

22 October 2018

Speaker 18
Bill Glennie

CARICATURE CAPERS

13 August 2018

Speaker 13
Andy Patterson

A welcome return visit from Andy when we enjoyed another of his usual talks - more of an intellectual test. We were asked/ordered to voice recognition of cartoon caricatures - usually 3 to a slide. A large selection from politicians to entertainers, lots of nationalities most of them hilarious. The responses from the club members was impressive with virtually all the slides recognised. While the caricature of 'Nat King Cole' was apparent, besides an esteemed pop singer, his universal talent as a Jazz Pianist was seldom broadcasted -so states a fan. Another entertaining morning Andy.

VOT Garson Gilles

MURDERS MOST UNUSUAL

27 August 2018

Speaker 14
Willie Stewart

Willie Stewart is a retired senior police officer with a distinguished career in the Police Force. While the talk about two past murders he did inform us, prior to going into the murder cases, that a few less serious (indeed humorous) remarks would be made. It would be best to leave the names and places where the two crimes took place, what we did learn was the diligence of the police in their investigations and the skills used to determine the events which led to the death of the victims. A most unique talk for the members; no doubt Willie has more such talks up his sleeve.

VOT Bryan Patterson

QUOTE- MISS-QUOTE

10 September 2018

Speaker 15
Colin Moore

A fellow probus member, as chairman of the Cupar Probus club Colin we warmly welcomed this morning's guest speaker is here to inform us of the ones who can Quote or Miss-quote. A detailed talk, illustrated with relevant slides, to enhance the good (and not-so-good) information passed verbally to the public by our celebrated speakers. Colin did inform us prior to listing the quotes that while many were ‘well-kent’, not all of them were factual or credible- to say the least. How accurate he was!!. Nevertheless, they were most interesting and a commendable Probus talk indeed.

VOT Eddie Taylor

DUNDEE WATERFRONT

25 June 2018

Speaker 10
Jennifer Caswell

Jennifer informed us of Dundee’s near completion of a £1 Billion redevelopment of its waterfront. Including the opening of the V&A in September. The site encompasses 240 hectares of development land stretching 8km alongside the River Tay. It is a strategic, focused and forward looking 30-year project (2001-2031) that is propelling the city to international acclaim. The area is divided into five focused zones: Riverside, Seabraes, The Central Waterfront, City Quay and Dundee Port. This vast (unfinished) project allowed a host of information for Jennifer to convey.

VOT George McBain

DUNKIRK

9 July 2018

Speaker 11
Roy Johnston


Roy Johnstone spoke to the club without a screen or note in sight and covered the major historical wartime event without a single pause – remarkable. Members were mostly of an age to have missed this tragic time for Britain and thank Roy for his enlightenment. Covering the evacuation to Britain of British and other Allied forces in Europe from 26 May to 4 June 1940 after Roy gave details leading up to this. Including the French, German and British commanders, the most memorable item was the fact that 3,500 British were killed and 13,000 wounded.

VOT Bill Alexander

NOT SO WILD WEST

23 July 2018

Speaker 12
Arthur Lloyd

Arthur’s trip around the ‘Wild West’ was a mere one-off trip around America. Fortunately, his photos were on a par with his talk – excellent – and gave a fine insight into (modern) Wide West. Saddled horses and stagecoaches were replaced by up-to-date vehicles allowing considerably more mileage to show us. One of the bars he (frequently seemingly) visited was very similar to a Hollywood Cowboy place. The names and addresses of the multiple places in the wild west he showed us were too numerous to recall; what we will remember was the photography and the hilarious enjoyable talk

VOT Bob Hamilton

FORTH RIVERS TRUST

14 May 2018

Speaker 7
Allison Baker

Allison informed us their works to conserve their environments. To achieve the aim the FRT will:
•Improvement of the freshwater environment
•Provide an impartial ecosystem science-based approach to river catchment management
•Providing advice and support on relevant ecological matters
•Providing training programmes which supports the Trust
•Deliver scientifically robust and sustainable solutions
•Provide a voice for rivers at a national, regional and local scale
We wish Allison well.

VOT Roger Hyde

FORTH GRAND FLEET

28 May 2018

Speaker 8
Andrew Kerr

Naval historian Andrew told us with illustrations this:- 30th May 1916, the German High Seas Fleet was due to sail. In the Firth of Forth the Battle Cruiser Fleet commanded by Sir David Beatty had to rapidly recall their men and prepare for action. At the Hawes Pier in South Queensferry, officers racing down to the steam pinnaces, dreadnoughts getting up steam and then finally the great ships slipping out under the Forth Rail Bridge on their way to the battle of Jutland. Some never came back. Others badly damaged, bringing casualties to the naval hospitals in South Queensferry and nearby.

VOT Gavin Gourlay

FISHERIES MUSEUM

11 June 2018

Speaker 9
Hanna Keddie

Hannah’s core story was the history of how the Scottish fisheries became such an important part of the lives of so many Scots. The museum exhibits wonderful examples of historic fishing boats and gear. They help us to illustrate the geography and social structures of our fishing communities and appreciate their skills, creativity and resilience. The museum improves the understanding of the various external circumstances, environmental, technological, political and commercial, which had and continue to have such an impact upon them. Hannah paid tribute to the community.

VOT Robin Sharp

DUNFERMLINE TRANWAYS

26 February 2018

Speaker 4
George Beattie

Trams were late in coming to Dunfermline partly because of its hills that made it unsuitable for horse drawn trams and partly because it did not have a power station until 1903.
The first tram ran in 1909 from Dunfermline High Street to Broad Street Cowdenbeath. The 6 and half miles of track was completed by 1200 Navvies in 10 weeks using, “pick and shovel”.
George, with his encyclopaedic knowledge, the people of the area amused the audience. Trams were becoming a thing of the past and were superseded by petrol/electric buses. The last tram ran on 4 July 1937.

VOT Alan Bayliss

BETTER WORLD BOOKS

12 March 2018

Speaker 5
Martin Mullin

Frank Operations Manager, Pitreavie - Its mission is to promote world literacy and save the environment- based in Pitreavie with 48 staff. The group started in 2003 Indiana; opened in UK in 2008, Dunfermline in 2010. It has recycled 210 million books, raised £15 million for libraries donating 18 million books.
It relies on organisations and members of the public, donating books that are no longer needed.
For each book sold, it gives the donor and its chosen literary partner a percentage of the net sales. A most commendable Dunfermline company and activity.

VOT Ian Dewar

FIFE PILGIM WAY

9 April 2018

Speaker 6
Ed Heather-Hayes

Funding has been secured to create a new and inspiring long-distance route through beautiful inland Fife.
Starting at Culross and North Queensferry, the 104 km/64-mile path takes in spectacular views of the Highlands, the Coast, Forth and Tay Estuaries and the Lomond Hills. It passes medieval landmarks, industrial landscapes and historic picturesque villages on its way to St. Andrews.
The route uses Fife’s existing network of rights of way, paths and tracks to offer varied opportunities for long distance, multi-day route supplemented by shorter walks and circular routes.

VOT Douglas Watson

SOROPTIMISTS

8 January 2018

Speaker 1
Helen Lythe

Founded in 1921, Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement with a network of over 75,000 club members in 122 countries. Helen, ex-educationalist and her surgeon husband was involved in helping kids in Uganda. 75% is under 20 and the children are eager to learn. Schools had 80 per class at 50p each term-they had chores before a 1 hour walk to school. Soroptimists help them - concentrating on nutrition, water tanks, solar lights and panels while working with “Better World Books” supplying books for the Ugandan children.

VOT David Steele

RUGBY TEAM DOCTOR

22 January 2018

Speaker 2
Dr. Donald MacLeod,

Our ex team doctor had anecdotes that were interspersed throughout were amusing, at times gruesome, such as the resetting of Chris Rea`s dislocated shoulder by Donald`s medical colleague and thought provoking, when Donald talked about the differences caused by the introduction of professional rugby. The game is still popular but governed by the differing levels of resources available to the different Rugby Unions

Mike
VOT Danny Williamson

TOOLS of the TRADE

12 FEBRUARY 2018

Speaker 3
Jim Jarvie

Shipwright Jim mentioned, not only the relics of a bye-gone time, the different world and ways of working in old shipyards -a very interesting talk – lots of humour and camaraderie among the men who used them.
The wall screwdriver, the miniscule plane and of course the tool for setting the teeth of a saw had to be mastered. If. As Douglas Watson in his Vote of Thanks to Jim mentioned, not only were these relics of a bye-gone time, different world and way of working, very interesting but so was the humour and camaraderie among the men who used them.

VOT Jim Dick